In and around the SEC: Week 11

Alabama defeated LSU in dramatic fashion in Baton Rouge last Saturday. Trailing 17-14 with 1:34 remaining, A.J. McCarron led the Crimson Tide on a quick 72-yard drive that was capped off by a 28-yard touchdown from McCarron to T.J. Yeldon. The Tigers could not generate a final scoring drive despite gashing the Crimson Tide defense for over 400 yards, and Alabama held on for a 21-17 victory. The Crimson Tide improved to 9-0 overall, and 6-0 in the Southeastern Conference. Alabama returns home this weekend to take on the Texas A&M Aggies.

Auburn Week 10 recap

After five straight losses, the Auburn Tigers finally picked up a win on Saturday. Auburn defeated New Mexico State, 42-7, in quarterback Jonathan Wal-lace’s first career start. Wa-llace went 9-for-16 for 164 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Tre Mason and Onterio McCalebb combined for 265 yards and three touchdowns. Auburn improved to 2-7 overall. The Tigers welcome the Georgia Bulldogs to Jordan-Hare Stadium this weekend.

Arkansas at South Carolina (-14) Arkansas picked up a close win over Tulsa, but the Razorbacks’ remaining schedule will make it challenging for the Hogs to reach a bowl game. South Carolina is coming off of a much needed bye week, and the Gamecocks should look rejuvenated on Saturday. SOUTH CAROLINA 38, Arkansas 27

Louisiana-Lafayette at Florida (-26.5) The Gators finished 7-1 in the SEC, but they still need a Georgia loss to reach the SEC championship game. Florida has two tune-up games before they travel to Tallahassee to take on archrival Florida State on Nov. 24. FLORIDA 45, Louisiana-Lafayette 6Missouri at Tennessee (-3.5) Both teams enter this matchup 4-5 on the season, and both teams desperately need a victory to keep their bowl hopes alive. Missouri has had a tough transition to the SEC, and the Tigers are looking for their first SEC road win. Derek Doo-ley is still coaching for his job, and he cannot afford a loss this weekend. TENNESSEE 37, Missouri 31

Georgia at Auburn (+15) The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry has been a bit lopsided lately, as the Bulldogs have won five out of the last six meetings between the two schools. Georgia annihilated Auburn 45-7 last year in Athens, and this year’s matchup does not look much more promising for the Tigers. A Bulldog victory will send Georgia to the SEC championship game for the second consecutive season. At this point, Au-burn is only playing for bragging rights. GEORGIA 41, Auburn 13Mississippi State at LSU (-14.5) After a heartbreaking defeat against Alabama, the Tigers must avoid a letdown this weekend against the Bulldogs. Mississippi State was routed at home by Texas A&M, and the Bulldogs are in jeopardy of dropping three straight games after starting the season 7-0. LSU 24, Mississippi State 13Vanderbilt at Ole Miss (-2.5) Who would have thought before the season that this would be such a big game for both teams? The Rebels and the Commodores enter this weekend with 5-4 records, and the winner of this game will become bowl eligible. OLE MISS 27, Vanderbilt 23Game of the WeekTexas A&M at Alabama (-13.5) Alabama can clinch the SEC West for the third time in five years with a win on Saturday against Texas A&M. The Crimson Tide will be challenged with defending Johnny Manziel, who leads the SEC in total offense. This game might provide a glimpse of how Oregon would fare against the Crimson Tide in a potential national championship game matchup, as Oregon and Texas A&M have similar offensive styles. Expect a close game early, but look for the Crimson Tide to dominate on the ground in the second half. ALABAMA 34, Texas A&M 17

Extra Points * Vanderbilt has never been to a bowl game in consecutive seasons. * Alabama has yet to allow a first quarter touchdown this season * LSU gained 435 yards of offense against Alabama, which is the most a Crimson Tide defense has allowed since 2007. * Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, Texas A&M will finish with a winning record versus the SEC West in the Aggies’ first season in the league. * This will be the 116th meeting between Auburn and Georgia. The Tigers lead the series 54-53-8. * Kentucky became the first SEC school to fire its coach this season. Joker Phillips was informed earlier this week that he will not be retained as head coach of the Wildcats, but he will coach the team’s final two games. Phillips is 12-23 as head coach of the Wildcats.